Agriculture

Agriculture can be one of the most satisfying and rewarding ways to make a living. From farming and food production to forestry, agribusinesses contribute to the health of the population and security of the country. Starting and running an agricultural business involves a lot of paperwork, regulations and technical know-how. This guide provides information about government programs that help new and existing agricultural businesses start, expand, obtain financing, and comply with laws and regulations.

For information on financial assistance programs, visit the farm loans page.

Cotton

Dairy

• Agricultural Marketing Service : Dairy Program
  Information on standardization, grading and market news services for dairy products.
  
  
• Commercial Item Descriptions for Dairy Products Purchased by the Federal Government
  Provides quality requirements that dairy producers must meet in order to sell products to the Federal government.
  
  
• Dairy Export Incentive Program
  Helps exporters of U.S. dairy products meet prevailing world prices for targeted dairy products and destinations.
  
  
• Dairy Grading Brochures
  Fact Sheets to help dairy producers understand USDA's grading system.
  
  
• Dairy Grading Program
  Information on USDA's grading standards for dairy products.
  
  
• Dairy Grading Standards
  Grading standards for individual dairy products, including cheese, butter and dry milk.
  
  
• Dairy Programs for Small Businesses
  Offers assistance to small businesses in the production and processing of milk and dairy products.
  
  
• Dairy Quality Specifications
  Regulatory specifications concerning the quality of milk products.
  
  
• Dairy Quality Standardization Program
  Overview of USDA's dairy quality standards program and requirements.

Environmental Compliance

• EPA National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center
  Information about environmental requirements that affect the agricultural community.
  
  
• Environmental Compliance Assistance for Small Farm, Small Business
  Provides small businesses and small farms with assistance in understanding and following regulations associated with their business.
  
  
• Environmental Risk Management Plan for Agricultural Businesses
  Agricultural establishments that store, handle, or use certain toxic or flammable chemicals above threshold amounts must develop and implement a program to prevent accidental releases of those chemicals.
  
  
• Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning : Servicing Farm and Heavy-Duty Equipment
  Offers help to owners and servicers of farm and heavy-duty equipment understand how the Clean Air Act governs the servicing of MVAC-like appliances.
  
  
• Reclamation Reform Act of 1982
  Provides the relevant statute and regulations pertaining to the Reclamation Reform Act (RRA). Includes RRA fact sheets, forms, and instructions, are available for download.

Farm Bill

• Conservation Security Program
  A voluntary program authorized under the Farm Bill that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation on Tribal and private working lands.
  
  
• Farm Bill 2002 Web Portal
  Outlines provisions on commodity programs, trade, conservation, credit, agricultural research, food stamps, and marketing.
  
  
• Senate Farm Bill Hearings
  Read latest information on Farm Bill hearings from the U.S. Senate's Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee

Fisheries

• Antarctic Marine Living Resource Trade Permits
  Information on Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS) permits.
  
  
• Atlantic Tuna Permits : FAQs
  Frequently asked questions about Atlantic tuna permits and commercial fishing.
  
  
• Authorizations and Permits for Protected Species (APPS)
  NOAA Fisheries permits and authorizations for Federally-protected species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
  
  
• Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) Crab Rationalization Program
  Management and regulatory information.
  
  
• Endangered Species Permits : FAQs for Fisheries
  Permits for organization engaged in scientific research or conducting activities to enhance the propagation or survival of an ESA listed species that will likely result in the species being harassed, captured, harmed, possessed, or killed.
  
  
• Fish and Wildlife Permits : FAQs
  Alphabetical index to answers to general permit questions.
  
  
• Fisheries Interactions/Protected Species Bycatch
  The Office of Protected Resources assists the fishing industry to develop or modify fishing gear and practices to minimize this bycatch and its impact.
  
  
• Fishing Information Newsletter (FIN)
  Provides links to past issues of the Fishing Information Newsletter (FIN).
  
  
• Groundfish Federal Fisheries Permits
  Permits and fishing authorizations issued by the Northwest Region for fisheries affecting West Coast groundfish.
  
  
• Guidelines for Drugs Used in the Aquaculture Industry
  FDA guidance documents aimed at increasing the number of safe and effective drugs that can be used by the aquaculture industry.
  
  
• High Seas Fishing Permits
  High Seas Act compliance and permit information.
  
  
• Highly Migratory Species
  Permits, workshops, and regulations.
  
  
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 1996
  Regulation focused on conservation and management of the fisheries, and for other purposes.
  
  
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 2005
  Updated regulation focused on the conservation and management of the fisheries, and for other purposes.
  
  
• Mandatory Ship Reporting System for Northern Right Whales
  In an effort to reduce the number of ship strikes, NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard have developed and implemented Mandatory Ship Reporting Systems.
  
  
• Marine Mammal Permits : FAQs
  Commonly asked questions about permits required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA).
  
  
• NOAA Fisheries Forms Portal
  Provides electronic versions of many NOAA Fisheries forms, listed for each geographic area by both OMB number and NOAA form name.
  
  
• National Marine Fisheries Program, Alaska Office : Restricted Access Management Program
  Information about Alaska Region permit programs, including those that limit access to the Federally-managed fisheries of the North Pacific.
  
  
• National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Trade and Commercial Services
  Assistance for the U.S. seafood businesses.
  
  
• National Marine Fisheries Service Permit Shop
  Purchase permits for Atlantic tunas, update permit information, and report recreational landings of bluefin tuna.
  
  
• Office of International Affairs, Services and Permits
  Links to High Seas Fishing and Antarctic Marine Living Resource Trade permits.
  
  
• Office of Protected Resources, Permits and Authorizations
  Permits and authorizations are required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to conduct activities that may result in the "taking" of a protected species.
  
  
• Recent Regulatory Actions Affecting Commercial Fisheries
  Latest regulatory actions affecting the fisheries and seafood industries.
  
  
• Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
  Vessels fishing under federal permits are required to have an operational vessel monitoring system

Forestry

• Environmental Requirements for the Forestry Industry
  Information about environmental requirements relating specifically to establishments that operate timber tracts, tree farms, forest nurseries, and related activities.
  
  
• Guide to Exporting Solid Wood Products
  Guide for U.S. wood products producers interested in export markets, providing an overview of the necessary steps to develop a successful export marketing strategy.
  
  
• OSHA eTool : Logging
  This eTool outlines the required and recommended work practices that can reduce logging hazards while performing manual or mechanical logging operations. The eTool describes how to develop a safety and health management plan and gives examples of generic safety and health program topics for the logging industry.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit FAQs : Timber or Timber Products
  Frequently asked questions for imported timber and timber products.

Fruits & Vegetables

• Agricultural Marketing Service Fruit and Vegetable Programs
  Guidelines and standards related to growing and marketing fresh fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grading and Quality Certification
  Information on grade standards, inspection and certification services that facilitate the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Certificate
  Provides a typical fruit/vegetable inspection certificate, broken out by major sections. The user may click on each section of the inspection certificate to get a complete explanation of its content.
  
  
• Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act Licensing
  Guidance for obtaining a license under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
  
  
• Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
  The Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) regulates trading practices in the marketing of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables in interstate and foreign commerce. . Under the PACA, anyone buying or selling commercial quantities of fruit and vegetables must be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit FAQs : Fruits and Vegetables
  Frequently asked questions about importing fresh fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• Processed Fruit and Vegetable Products Standards and Quality Certification
  Standards and quality certification for processed fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• Product Grading and Quality Inspection Program Overview
  This overview of the Agricultural Marketing Services Product Grading and Quality Inspection Program includes an explanation of how grading services are provided as well as the inspection fees for grading.
  
  
• Section 8e Import Compliance
  Assistance for importers of fruits, vegetables and specialty crops in complying with Section 8e of the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA).
  
  

Grain

• Exporting Grain
  Information on requirements that must be met by individuals or companies exporting grain, oilseeds, or related commodities from the United States. The requirements vary based on whether the commodity is covered by the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) or the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA).
  
  
• Grain Exporter Registration
  The United States Grain Standards Act requires the registration of all persons engaged in the business of buying grain for sale in foreign commerce. In addition, those individuals who handle, weigh, or transport grain for sale in foreign commerce must register.
  
  
• Grain Inspection and Weighing Services
  Provides inspection services on grains, pulses, oilseeds, and processed and graded commodities to facilitate marketing of U.S. grain and other commodities from farmers to domestic and international end users.
  
  
• Grain, Rice & Pulses : Designation Information and Applications
  The United States Grain Standards Act allows GIPSA to designate persons, States, or local governments to provide official inspection and weighing services for a period up to a 3 years.
  
  
• Official Weighing Services
  A summary of the official grain weighing process for the Grain Inspectors, Packers and Stockyard Administration of USDA.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit FAQs : Rice and Rice Related Articles
  Frequently asked questions about importing rice and rice products.
  
  
• U.S. Standards for Grains
  Standards used by domestic and international sellers and buyers to define the type and quality of product being bought and sold.

Horticulture

• Environment Compliance Guide for Nurseries and Greenhouses
  Environmental requirements specifically relating to the production of many types of agricultural crops grown in nurseries and greenhouses, such as ornamental plants and specialty fruits and vegetables.
  
  
• Phytosanitary Certificates and the Import and Export of Plants and Plant Products
  A list of frequently asked questions regarding the regulations for importing plant and plant products into the United States and the use of phytosanitary (plant health) certificates to ensure that products imported are free of pests.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine
  Information on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's efforts to safeguard agriculture and natural resources from the risks associated with the entry, establishment, or spread of animal and plant pests and noxious weeds to ensure an abundant, high-quality, and varied food supply.
  
  
• Plant Variety Protection Office
  Information on the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA), which involves issuance of Certificates of Protection. The Act provides legal intellectual property rights protection to developers of new varieties of plants which are sexually reproduced (by seed) or tuber-propagated.

International Trade

• Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook
  Provides resources to help small and medium-size businesses develop an international marketing plan, discover export opportunities, and ship products overseas.
  
  
• Animal and Animal Product Import and Export Information
  Find information on the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's activities and services to support import and export of animals, animal products, and biologicals.
  
  
• Country of Origin Labeling Requirements
  The 2002 Farm Bill requires country of origin labeling for beef, lamb, pork, fish, perishable agricultural commodities and peanuts.
  
  
• Export Credit Guarantee Programs
  Information on export credit guarantee programs for commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports.
  
  
• Exporter Assistance for Agriculture and Forestry Industries
  A series of resources, products, and services that can help companies explore the potential for international sales.
  
  
• Exporter's Assistance
  Provides to links to handbooks, training materials, videos, and market reports that help producers export their goods overseas.
  
  
• Exporter's Matrix : Handbook for U.S. Agribusinesses
  Guidelines to exporting food, farm and forest products.
  
  
• Exporting Dairy Products to the European Union
  Providers exporting requirements under the European Union Health Certification Program.
  
  
• Facility Guarantee Program
  Provides payment guarantees to finance commercial exports of U.S. manufactured goods and services that will be used to improve agriculture-related facilities.
  
  
• Food Export Certificate Project
  Information on food export certificates which are paper or electronic documents requested by an importing nation that describes and/or attests to animal health or product safety, production, or processing methods, packaging, labeling, or specific attributes of a food/food ingredient intended for international destinations.
  
  
• Foreign Agricultural Service Fact Sheets
  Information on a variety of topics related to exporting agricultural commodities. Specific information on programs the Foreign Agricultural Service sponsors is also available.
  
  
• General Sales Manager Online System
  The General Sales Manager Online System enables U.S. exporters and U.S. banks to submit required documentation online, or electronically, for the GSM-102, Supplier Credit Guarantee and Facility Guarantee Programs. These programs facilitate commercial financing of U.S. agricultural exports.
  
  
• How APHIS Facilitates Agricultural Exports
  Information on the role the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plays in the exportation of agricultural products.
  
  
• How APHIS Facilitates Agricultural Imports
  Information on the role the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plays in the importation of agricultural products.
  
  
• Import Programs for Agriculture Products
  Information on programs the Foreign Agricultural Service offers to promote import requirements and opportunities.
  
  
• Market Development Programs
  Information on Foreign Agricultural Service sponsored programs designed to assist in the expansion of export opportunities.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit FAQs : Phytosanitary Issues Management
  Frequently asked questions about phytosanitary certificates.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit FAQs : Plant Pathogens
  Frequently asked questions about plant pest permits.
  
  
• Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit FAQs
  Questions and answers about plant protection and quarantine permits.
  
  
• Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers : FAQs
  Answers to questions about TAA, which provides producers of raw commodities, who have been adversely affected by import competition, free technical assistance and cash benefits of up to $10,000 per year.
  
  
• Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act : FAQs
  Questions and answers about the implementation of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act.
  
  
• U.S. Exporter Assistance : Pricing, Quotes, and Negotiations
  Information on proper pricing, complete and accurate quotations, and choice of terms for the sale of exports so that selling products in foreign markets is successful.
  
  
• U.S. Exporter Assistance : Shipping Documentation, and Requirements
  A series of documents outlining the shipping documentation required to export commodities and other requirements.

Livestock

• Animal Care Standards
  Information on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Animal Care (AC) program, which provides leadership for determining standards of humane care and treatment of animals. AC implements those standards and achieves compliance through inspection, education, and cooperative efforts.
  
  
• Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Prevention : Guidelines for Animal Feed Producers
  FDA guidelines for animal feed produces to prevent BSE or "mad cow" disease in livestock.
  
  
• Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) : Final Rule
  Provides information about the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Final Rule.
  
  
• General Information on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
  One-stop resource for guidance manual and permits.
  
  
• Live Poultry Dealer Responsibilities
  Information on the basic responsibilities for live poultry dealers as stipulated in the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as Amended and Supplemented, and the Regulations issued there under, for a complete list of legal responsibilities.
  
  
• Livestock Mandatory Reporting Compliance Information
  Information on the requirement for livestock packers, livestock processors, and importers covered under the act to report specific data on livestock purchases and boxed beef and lamb sales.
  
  
• Livestock Producers and Firms
  General information and links relating to the Packers and Stockyards Program (PS&P) and the Packers and Stockyards Act.
  
  
• Livestock, Meat & Poultry : Regulated Entities
  A description of regulated entities' roles under the Packers and Stockyards Act
  
  
• Managing Manure Nutrients at Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
  Provides information about managing manure nutrients at concentrated animal feeding operations.
  
  
• Market Agency Buying on Commission, Dealer, and Clearing Agency Responsibilities
  Information on basic responsibilities for market agencies buying on commission, dealers, and clearing agencies as stipulated in the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as Amended and Supplemented, and the Regulations issued there under, for a complete list of legal responsibilities.
  
  
• Market Agency Selling on Commission and Stockyard Owner Responsibilities
  Information on the basic responsibilities for market agencies selling on commission, and stockyards owners as stipulated in the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as Amended and Supplemented, and the Regulations issued there under, for a complete list of legal responsibilities.
  
  
• Meat Grading and Certification Branch
  Information on meat grading and certification requirements and services.
  
  
• National Agriculture Compliance Assistance Center : Animal Feeding Operations
  Provides information about animal feeding operations.
  
  
• OSHA eTool : Poultry Processing Industry
  This eTool focuses on identifying and controlling major hazards that contribute to the high rates of injuries found in the poultry processing industry. This eTool focuses on hazards associated with the slaughtering, processing, and packaging of the birds. Examples used are from chicken processing, but may be applicable to other bird processing.
  
  
• Packer Responsibilities
  Information on basic responsibilities for packers, as stipulated in the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, as Amended and Supplemented, and the Regulations issued there under, for a complete list of legal responsibilities
  
  
• Producers' Compliance Guide for Concentrated Animal Feed Operations
  Describes EPA's regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Includes sections that describe EPA's CAFO regulations, who they affect, what they require, and what assistance is available.
  
  
• Rights under the Packers and Stockyards Act
  Information on which sellers and growers are protected under the P&S Act's trust provisions and what to do if you don't get paid. Publications are also available for downloading and submission to GIPSA and the packer or live poultry dealer who owes you for livestock or poultry as notification to preserve trust benefits.

Organic Food

• How Retail Establishments Can Comply with National Organic Program Regulations
  Retailer's guide to National Organic Program requirements, and procedures that retailers may establish to meet these requirements.
  
  
• National Organic Program FAQs
  A series of frequently asked questions regarding the National Organic Program and its requirements.
  
  
• Organic Exemption from Assessments for Marketing Promotion Activities
  The 2002 Farm Bill directed USDA to issue regulations exempting any person who produces and markets solely 100 percent organic products from paying assessments under a commodity promotion law.
  
  
• Organic Labeling and Compliance Information for Producers, Handlers, Processors and Retailers
  Guide to organic labeling standards for growers, producers and retailers.
  

Pesticides

• Biopesticides : Environmental Regulations and Policies
  EPA guide to complying with regulations governing the use of biopesticides in agriculture.
  
  
• How to Comply with the Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides : What Employers Need to Know
  Guide to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS), a regulation designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.
  
  
• Integrated Pest Management : Environmental Regulations and Policies
  EPA guide to integrated pest management in agriculture.
  
  
• Nutrient Management and Fertilizers
  Information on fertilizer use, contaminants and regulations.
  
  
• Pesticide FAQs for Applicators
  Answers to questions about the application of pesticides.
  
  
• Pesticide Recordkeeping Program
  Information on the Federal Pesticide Recordkeeping Program, which requires all certified private applicators to keep records of their use of federally restricted use pesticides (RUP) for a period of 2 years.
  
  
• Pesticide Storage and Handling Practices on the Farm
  Explains proper handling and storage of pesticides on farmsteads. Provides a general overview of pesticide handling and storage, a risk assessment section, and recommendations for correcting problems related to pesticide storage.
  
  
• Pesticide Use and Application : FAQs for Farm and Agricultural Workers
  Questions about pesticides and farming
  
  
• Pesticide Worker Safety and Training
  Provides information about the Worker Protection Standard intended to protect the health and safety of workers who are exposed to pesticides in the course of their jobs.
  
  
• Protocol for Conducting Environmental Compliance Audits Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
  Provides information about conducting compliance audits under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
  
  
• Worker Protection Standard : Available Publications
  Listing of documents covering agricultural worker protection standards concerning exposure to agrichemicals.
  
  
• Worker Protection Standard and Recent Amendments
  Provides information about the Worker Protection Standard and recent amendments.
  
  
• Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides
  Provides information about the worker protection standard for agricultural pesticides.
  
  
• Worker Protection and Pesticide Safety Publications
  Listing of regulatory documents pertaining to the implementation of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

Poultry

• Packers and Stockyards Program
  General regulatory information for poultry growers and firms.
  
  
• Poultry Grading and Certification
  Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, and pigeons are all eligible for grading and certification services provided by the AMS Poultry Programs' Grading Branch.
  
  
• Poultry Program Forms
  Grading, certification, and inspection forms.
  
  
• Poultry Quality Standards
  Quality standards established by AMS Poultry Programs help facilitate the marketing of poultry, rabbits, and shell eggs among buyers and sellers

Seed

• Seed Regulatory and Testing Services
  Information on the Federal Seed Act which regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seed.
  

Tobacco

• Agricultural Marketing Service Tobacco Program
  Find information tobacco production standards and market news.
  
  
• Tobacco Quality Standards
  Official U.S. grade standards for tobacco.
  

Veterinary Medicine

• Center for Veterinary Biologics
  Information on the National Veterinary Accreditation Program which certifies private veterinary practitioners to work cooperatively with Federal veterinarians and State animal health officials.
  
  
• Center for Veterinary Biologics Forms and Permits
  Forms and permits to meet the requirements of the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act of 1913.
  
  
• National Veterinary Accreditation Program
  Information on the National Veterinary Accreditation Program which certifies private veterinary practitioners to work cooperatively with Federal veterinarians and State animal health officials.

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Agribusiness

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